SECTION B [25 MARKS]

Question

Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow.

As a consultant in organisational development, Batho Pele Dot Com has tasked you to provide advice for changes and intervention. Batho Pele Dot Com is currently characterized by a bureaucratic management style and rigid structures, and its managers are mostly male. Following the new labour legislation, quite a number of employees were suddenly retrenched, the reason for the retrenchment is said to be finances. Following retrenchments, a number of employees from previously disadvantaged groups have been selected and placed in the production-line vacancies. However, there are still a number of positions vacant. Older employees have complained about discrimination and selection strategies.
According to supervisors, production deadlines and targets are not achieved, and new employees are expected to work without having the minimum qualifications and required training. The Human Resource manager indicates that the mood amongst employees is negative, and lateness, illness, complaints, and personnel turnover are increasing. Some employees have already had meetings and threatened to take further action if management does not resign or listen.

Questions:

.1. Identify five problems experienced by Batho Pele Dot Com. (5)

2.2 Describe five I-O Psychology specialist that will be applicable for any five problems as identified in 2.1. Indicate which specialist will be responsible for specific problem.

Answer 1

2.1 Five Problems Experienced by Batho Pele Dot Com

1. Bureaucratic Management Style: The organization's rigid structure and management approach can stifle creativity and limit employee engagement, leading to low morale and productivity.

2. Employment Discrimination Complaints: There are allegations of discrimination regarding the selection strategies used in hiring, particularly impacting older employees and potentially creating division among staff.

3. Lack of Training and Qualifications: New employees are being hired without the minimum qualifications or necessary training, which contributes to poor performance and an inability to meet production deadlines.

4. Negative Employee Morale: The overall mood among employees is negative, as evidenced by complaints, absenteeism, and increased turnover rates. This reflects a lack of engagement and motivation.

5. Threats of Collective Action: Employees have organized meetings and are considering collective action, indicating dissatisfaction and a breakdown in communication between management and staff.

---

2.2 Applicable I-O Psychology Specialists

1. Organizational Development Specialist: This individual can address the bureaucratic management style by recommending changes in organizational structure and leadership development programs that foster a more flexible and participative workplace.

2. Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: This expert can help to resolve employment discrimination complaints by assessing the hiring and selection processes, implementing training programs on bias, and developing policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.

3. Training and Development Specialist: This specialist will focus on the lack of training and qualifications of new employees. They can design onboarding programs and skill development workshops to ensure that all employees are equipped with the necessary competencies for their roles.

4. Employee Engagement Specialist: To combat the negative employee morale, this specialist can conduct surveys and focus groups to understand employee concerns better, facilitate open communication, and recommend strategies to improve engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction.

5. Labor Relations Specialist: Given the threats of collective action from employees, this expert can work on developing communication channels between management and staff, addressing grievances, and negotiating collective agreements to ensure a more harmonious workplace environment.

By leveraging these specialists, Batho Pele Dot Com can begin to identify targeted interventions to address the complex issues impacting productivity, morale, and overall organizational health.